By Ochiaka Ugwu
The Korean Cultural Centre, Nigeria (KCCN) had partnered with the Embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Turkey to host the 5th Asian Film Festival in Abuja.
Speaking during the event Monday at the Korea Cultural Centre, Nigeria, Director of the Centre, Mr. Kim Chang Ki said the event was not just about showcasing each nation’s culture, but an appreciation in the diversity of each nation’s culture.
Kim said it was not just by the host nations alone in unity, but their host country’s indigenes as well which were Nigerians.
Continuing, Kim said the aim of the Asian Film Festival was a mutual appreciation of the Asian talent, culture, unity a diversity.
He stated that he hoped that by the end of the film festival, not only would their host nation, Nigerian indigenes be more aware of Asian history and background, but will also celebrate their countries’ collective artistic capacity.
Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Nigeria, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who was represented by Bashir Hamisu Mohammed said the event was so important and Nigeria would like to be part it.
Also speaking, Charge d’ Affairs of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria, Mr. Seyed Azizollah Miryousefi said it was an honour for them to be part of the event that will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Asian nations, saying it would deepen the cultural relations with Nigeria.
Musa Erbas of the Yunus Emre Enstitusu noted that it was an honour for then to participate in the event which would deepen cultural bridge.
Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Li Xuda who said that film was a very important part of culture thanked the organizers stating the need to promote our cultural exchange to build a better future for all.
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Gangadharan Balasubramanian said that India was a land of films, maintaining the Film Festival was capable of bringing many cultures under one roof for the appreciation of their uniqueness.
However, two films were premiered for the day. They include: Extreme Job (Korea) and Painting Pool (Iran).
